I have spent weeks in the desert, forgetting to look at the moon, he says, as a married man may spend days never looking into the face of his wife. These are not sins of omission but signs of pre-occuopation.
Michael OndaatjeRead
She [Evelina] is not, indeed, like most modern young ladies; to be known in half an hour; her modest worth, and fearful excellence, require both time and encouragement to show themselves.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights how true character and worth often take time to reveal, contrasting with superficial judgments.
Fanny Burney's quote emphasizes the importance of patience and understanding in recognizing a person's true qualities, particularly in a societal context that may favor quick impressions. It suggests that genuine character is often concealed and can only be appreciated through thoughtful consideration and encouragement, reminding us that deeper relationships are built over time rather than through immediate appearances.
Themes
CharacterTimeModestyWorthEncouragement
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a discussion on the value of patience in friendships.
Similar quotes
Don't want to be near you for the thoughts we share but the words we never have to speak.
Nikki GiovanniRead
All of us--all who knew her--felt so wholesome after we cleaned ourselves on her. We were so beautiful when we stood astride her ugliness. Her simplicity decorated us, her guilt sanctified us, her pain made us glow with health, her awkwardness made us think we had a sense of humor. Her inarticulateness made us believe we were eloquent. Her poverty kept us generous. Even her waking dreams we used--to silence our own nightmares.
Toni MorrisonRead
I believe all people, regardless of sexual orientation, should be guaranteed the full rights to the legal benefits and responsibilities of marriage under the Constitution.
Tim KaineRead
All she wanted was a breathing space in which to hurt.
Margaret MitchellRead
What is it the I'll want from you? Not love: that would be too much to ask. Not forgiveness, which isn't yours to bestow. Only a listener, perhaps; only someone who will see me. Don't prettify me though, whatever else you do: I have no wish to be a decorated skull. But I leave myself in your hands. What choice do I have? By the time you read this last page, that- if anywhere- is the only place I will be.
Margaret AtwoodRead